Mountain Running® Team

In 2003 La Sportiva formed the premier trail and adventure running team in
North America. The La Sportiva Mountain Running® team is a solid group of individuals,
AND
a talented group of athletes. Each year
35 great athletes push the boundaries of personal achievement and enjoyment,
learn how to go further faster.

Become a member of the La Sportiva Mountain Running® Team!

The La Sportiva Mountain Running Team supports its athletes with the best footwear, apparel and, thanks to our Partners, the best equipment and nutrition options available to trail runners. Thus it is natural that
we receive many requests from other runners for "sponsorship".

So how do we select our Team Members? It's not what you expect!

Most people think runners "qualify" for the Team by achieving
certain results at certain races. This is not the case. Instead, we
are looking for "Ambassadors" for the La Sportiva brand: good
people who can run well, are seen as leaders in the sport and in their
community, and who aren't shy about spreading the word about products
that work well for them. We don't "sponsor" top finishers at
races; we partner with runners and support them
in acheiving their goals while they support our brand.

Make sense? We think so. So if you're interested in being part of the
Team, start by going down to your local retailer and picking up a pair
of Sportiva's! Like them? Good! Run and race in them, and please let
us know how you did; we'd be happy to hear. Email us at
marketing@sportiva.com.

Andy Ames

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Keep up with my dogs, see a mountain lion(but not too close. There are still hundreds of races I'd like to do but as long as I can keep running and exploring I'll have a smile on my face.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Have commuted by bike or foot to the same job for over 20 years.

Do you have any vices?

Procrastinator. Rachel says hoarder of shoes.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Tick!. My wife, Rachel, has Lyme Disease, so that is a bad word in our house.
I love to compete and am a naturalist at heart so trail running is my perfect outlet.

What drives you to run?

I drive as little as possible. I'm lucky to have trails just 2 blocks from my house so unless I'm going to races or the high mountains all my runs start from my front door.

What is your favorite movie?

Breaking Away

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Hopefully people don't call me too many names.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I'm a light sleeper so I often don't sleep through the night. The longest I stayed up while active was when I did a 24 hour bike ride when I was around 15 years old. It was on a 1 mile course through a shopping center parking lot and I covered 301 miles in about 20 hours. I was too saddle sore to ride the whole 24 hours.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Montana, Monty for short. Big skies, high mountains, and open plains-I think that would suit me well.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Peanut butter and apricot jam sandwich and an oatmeal cookie.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Pictures, I go to bed every night envisioning where I'm going to run and what I might see.

What really scares you about trail running?

Nothing really except the fear of missing out. There are so many wonderful things to see and adventures to be had.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Winding trails and wagging tails.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Right here in Boulder. I have trails just two blocks from my house and live only a couple miles from work.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I came across a dead body while running on Flagstaff Mountain. Apparently the poor guy fell off a cliff the night before.

Sean Run Bum Blanton

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I want to run the AT. I also want to keep running crazy mountain races all over the world! Summer 2012 I want to go to Norway and run from the bottom of the Fjords to the top with my base jumping rig and jump off the 4,000 ft cliffs they have! I want to make Run Bum a house hold name. I want to inspire others to run and be fit.

Do you have a claim to fame?

www.RunBum.com people know me as RUN BUM! 1st and only person to complete the Athens to Atlanta 89 + mile inline skating event.... on foot.

Do you have any vices?

traveling, soccer, skydiving and beer. Now if I could only do those all at the same time... hmmmmm

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I love adventure and I love travel. Before I was a runner I was an avid world traveler. I have now combined both into a crazy lifestyle... the Run Bum Lifestyle!

What drives you to run?

I like to go fast. I like getting out my door and just going as fast as I can. I live in Atlanta so I train a lot on the road. I think its fun to try and race cars when Im on the side walk. My passion is trail running. I love single track. I could run it forever! I am always in search of the perfect run, the perfect trail and the perfect day. There is something I love... that is not just specific to running but to anything. It's about getting into that perfect rhythm. You can feel it. With running its that perfect pace and trail. Everything just clicks. You're spot on that day. I love it! I think people who don't run are missing out. The most beautiful places I've seen were places I couldn't have gotten to without running there.

What is your favorite movie?

Anchorman and Grandma's boy
and point break... duh!

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

1. Run Bum - I used to tell people I was a professional Runner Bum. Well one day I met this guy named Chia and we started talking and he loved the idea and came back to me the next week. He and I then started www.RunBum.com to spread the lifestyle!
2. The Chisel- during an 8 hr race I started slow and slowly but surely started reeling people in. My buddies were there watching me and with ever lap on the 1.1 mile loop I'd say something goofy,like Im reelin' em in baby. then my buddy started saying ..."just chiselin' away" and then they started calling me THE CHISEL.
3. Cien Fuegos- I used to work with alot of hispanics and this was my nickname. It literally means 100 fires in spanish.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

hmmmm about 48 hours I think. They had on this MURDER SHE WROTE tv marathon

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Vietnamese PHO with beef tendon and tripe. I'm an adventurous eater what can I say

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

most likely Agianst the Wind by Bob Segar. There would be a video of penguins waddling down to the water for a drink. along with random words popping up such as Dr. Drew, salami and presents. ......really just normal average thoughts

What really scares you about trail running?

BEARS! I hear they can smell fear

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The Counte of Monte Cristo. oh I think that's taken. So most likely "RUNNING IN NO MAN'S LAND"............. I just patented it so nice try.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I love Vancouver. It is my home outside of Atlanta. I LOVE IT! But really it's a toss up between Queenstown New Zealand, Interlaken Switzerland, Vancouver Canada, and Bariloche Argentina

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I was running the Na Pali Coast trail when I encountered a naked guy. Its already hard enough trying to get around a fully clothed person on single track. The worst part was I said excuse me runner back and the guy moved to the side away from the 300 ft cliff drop and so then it was either get close to the naked dude or fall 300 ft. I still don't know if I made the right decision.

Jason Bryant

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Always remember the next step is the most important one, just because it is the next one. Never grow up, keep a childlike enthusiasm and awe in my exploration of the outdoors.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Not really. I am just quietly weird. That is until you get to know me, then I am obviously and uniquely weird.

Do you have any vices?

Still don't really believe in having vices. Embrace all that is you, good and bad. Or change it.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Not sure, some strange, internal burning. A good mental picture is a candle I once saw that had been sat on some rocks. The wick had burned away from all the wax which was left scattered among the rocks. That wick, now just a stub, had fallen down in between the rocks, but the wick was still burning... I'll call it passion. Passion for running, exploring, friendships, living with a purpose. Life is opportunity, I want to say I made my choices and made the most of the opportunities in front of me.
Side note, I did once pull over 100 ticks off me in a single day while chasing a gypsy moth.

What drives you to run?

I have a “Wild Specialist” truck that sometimes drive me to runs. Or refer to wick answer above. Running is just one of the things I was created to do.

What is your favorite movie?

The unmade “Life through the Eye of a Runner”. The scene with a live turkey as the prize for winning a race is hilarious. The “Nipple Washer” scenes are quite funny as well. Currently, this movie only shows in my head.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Mountain goat - Kind of self-given because I run uphill or on very technical terrain much better than I can run on anything else. Also when I was a kid, there were mountain goats that roamed on the huge rock face of a local state park, Stone Mountain in NC. I admired their ability to move along the steep rock face. So basically I like thinking of myself as a mountain goat. Maybe it's starting to catch on? I am currently working on growing a goat beard.
The one other nickname is jb because there were to many Jasons on my high school cross country team. Only a handful of local people from back in the day still use that one.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

That will be my reason to run Barkley Marathons, so I'll have a good answer for this question. Otherwise, why go without sleep?

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Idaho, I'm Irish descent, with some Scottish too.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Oatmeal with walnuts and raisins. Liver pudding. An orange.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Brain damage. All three would be going at the same time, plus random sounds, silence, smells, and movies. Most of the day, my head is constantly churning. Let's just say, I think out of the box, on the box, beside the box, near the box, and without a box.

What really scares you about trail running?

Why would I be scared of trail running? I don't believe in such a thing.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Life through the Eye of a Runner. A dramatic comedy. About life as it happened and how I imagined it. You have figure out what is true, somewhat true, and imagined. Just how I am in real life.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Twin Oak Farms. If I really wanted to live somewhere else, I should move. I believe if you don't like something change it or accept it, but take ownership of your life. I'll admit that part on me would like to live on the side of a mountain with no modern conveniences, but for right now I still choose to visit regularly but not stay.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Again, I have really have no clue what you are talking about. Worst encounter on a trail? I've encountered bears, almost stepped on rattlesnakes, been out of food and water, in the dark with no light. But I was on a trail, this question implies something went wrong.
To match Bernie's answer though, I did have a dilemma on a run in New Mexico a couple of years ago. I ran up a mountain to an alpine lake to find a group of folks skinny dipping and nude sun bathing. Should I strip too?

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Jenny Capel

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To be a member of the US national 100K team (sooner rather than later) and to complete Hardrock 100 (later rather than sooner). I;m quickly approaching 40, so I hope to continue running the way i have over the past 12 years. Maybe not with the same speed, but with the same passion and desire.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I made a "rookie move" at last year's Jed Smith 50K. I had run the race 3 times previously. The course is a 3.3 mile loop and we needed to complete 9. Somewhere out on the course, my mind played a trick on me and I miscounted laps. After 8 laps, I crossed the "finish line", grateful to be done. People kept telling me i had one more lap, but I told them otherwise, until i looked at my time. Wow, I broke the course record!! ha, ha. So I headed out for my final 3.3 miles with my tail between my legs.

Do you have any vices?

Do you consider good dark chocolate and beer vices??

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Variety and balance

What drives you to run?

The Challenge of what I can make my body do. The body is just the vehicle with the mind the engine. Once the engine blows, there isn't much left; but if I can keep the mind running strong, the body can truly do anything. Also, running for me is a huge de-stressor. I solve so many problems out on a run...it helps me focus and think clearly.

What is your favorite movie?

The Wizard of Oz

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

None unless you consider Jen

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

24:53 at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100. i took the advantage of seeing the sun rise twice, although unintentionally. It was a long day!

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Colorado---it has a little bit of everything and some of the most beautiful trails

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

a bowl of vegetable soup, banana, and of course, a piece of chocolate ( or maybe 2!)

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Definitely pictures

What really scares you about trail running?

Getting injured in the middle of nowhere, far from aid and being unable to get a cell signal for help.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The 25 hour day

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Switzerland...I'm part Swiss and still have family there. The country has some of the most amazing trails and people. The Europeans know how to live a simple life where family comes first (work can always wait) and material items are really unimportant.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I've never really had an encounter with an animal, but I did meet the "nausea monster" face to face at WS 100 this year. He ambushed me around mile 75 and just kept hanging on. Hopefully I'll never see him again, but beware!

Pat Casterline

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

As a runner, I like to believe that I'm in a constant state of exploration and improvement. I'm currently focusing on moving up into the ultra-distances and looking forward to re-discovering my goals in the process.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I'm currently a Brooklyn-based Mountainrunner. Far from claiming fame, but it's at least unique.

Do you have any vices?

Even worse, I've got demons. To paraphrase John L. Parker, when I run I can, “by God let my demons loose.” For me, running is a combination of expression and self-medication. Running allows me to let my demons loose, and return to the real word grounded and ready for the next challenge.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Running has assured me that I have no limitations (mostly to my own demise). In other words, I live with the intensity I possess in running. I'm always up for any and every task, challenge, and new adventure.

What drives you to run?

A desire to have an infinite experience in a finite setting. To me, running has proved the existence of the inherent connection between body and soul, the physical and non-physical. Running gives me the assurance that I have no limitations, as I annihilate my own personal and external limitations through running.

What is your favorite movie?

The Big Lebowski

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Chops. During my freshman year of college, I was waiting on my facial hair to fully blossom. In the mean time I was rocking some big ol' Chops, and thus my nickname was born. I'm still Chops to many of my college friends, no matter the status of my facial hair.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

For the most part I always manage to catch a few hours of sleep, but living in Brooklyn and working in Manhattan have given 'tired' a whole new meaning. In the mean time, I've learned to sleep almost anywhere, including while standing up on packed subway trains. That's the secret to getting sleep in NYC.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

New Jersey because I'm underrated, I love pork roll, I don't pump my own gas, I have more race horses than Kentucky, I have the most diners in the world, and I'm a peninsula.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

There'd be some music playing, something subtle yet significant.

What really scares you about trail running?

In my first trail race, I found myself trying to keep up with fellow ambassador, Jason Bryant on a technical downhill, and I sprained an ankle so bad I couldn't run for a month. I still cringe thinking about it. Luckily, besides minor twists and tweaks, I haven’t sprained an ankle on the trail since, thanks to my Sportivas.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

A Rebel Who Forgot His Cause

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I'd move Brooklyn next to some mountains, or some mountains next to Brooklyn. That would be perfection.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

On my first solo backpacking trip, I had an up-close and personal encounter with a bear (or a Sasquatch) on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. I woke up in the middle of the night to the sounds of big footsteps coming towards my tent. I grabbed my key-chain light to face my death, and saw the outline of the bear-squatch. I fell back on my Eagle Scout instincts by yelling and making noise with my trekking poles. Surprisingly, it worked. The bear-squatch left, and I woke up alive the next morning.

Maria Dalzot

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To make the Women’s U.S. Mountain Running Team, race the skyrunning series in Europe and travel the world running trail races.

Do you have a claim to fame?

U.S. National 1/2 Marathon Trail Champion.

Do you have any vices?

I'm a sucker for any kind of bread...sweet, savory, pizza- I love it all!

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

The clock, literally. My dad always says that my middle name should have been FedEx (‘The World on Time’).

What drives you to run?

I want to know how good I can be.

What is your favorite movie?

The Michael Palin Travel Series on the BBC.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Nope.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Maybe 10 hours. I nap like a 2 year-old toddler.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

West Virginia, my home state. Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

A spinach salad, an Ezekiel wrap with Bogg’s Trail Butter, banana and yogurt, and an apple.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Lists. To-do lists. Lots of them.

What really scares you about trail running?

My rabid imagination is hard to control.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Leave Me Alone, I’m Running.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Bellingham, Washington. It is right in the middle of Seattle and Vancouver, BC with the San Juan Islands out the window, the Olympic Mountains to the Southwest and the Cascade Mountains to the East. There is almost no snow in the winter or humidity in the summer; perfect trail running weather all year round.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

The Deception Pass Bridge 3 miles into the Deception Pass 25k in Oak Harbor, Washington.

Jennilyn Eaton

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To find the lines amongst the mountains I am most passionate about, and to be capable of completing them. To push my limits until they push back, and then to push harder. In short, to experience a myriad of visceral, free, and beautiful mountain adventures.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I can out-eat most grown men.

Do you have any vices?

I'm impulsive and playful... so there's too many to list.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Curiosity, passion for living, and an unrelinquished need to discover

What drives you to run?

Freedom in motion; lines to be touched; moments greater than life

What is your favorite movie?

pass

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Bips (my family nickname) J-lyn (my gangster name)

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Roughly 46 hours, as a teen. Simply to see if we could pull a double-all-nighter. It sounded more fun than it was.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Andrew Fast

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Faster. Higher. Stronger.

Do you have a claim to fame?

It’s all about creativity; moving as fast and light as possible through the mountains—not necessarily to the top of them—in a style that’s all your own: we cycled the length of Patagonia north to south last winter, stopped off to race an ‘Ironman,’ and ran some beautiful National Park trails.

Do you have any vices?

Chocolate Milk.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Getting up before the sun and inspired before the day starts, I bring a lot of inspiration back with me and do my best to engage with life in a way that it gets other people excited about living.

What drives you to run?

You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.

What is your favorite movie?

The Big Lebowski

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Fastboy. I am a boy. My last name is Fast.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

A good nap can solve any riddle. Sleep on it. You’ll feel better in the morning.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Montana

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Chicken breast quinoa salad and a fist-full of chocolate chips.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Pictures and descriptive words.

What really scares you about trail running?

Objective hazards: events a person cannot control.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Focus on Efficiency

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Raglan, New Zealand. Leavenworth, Washington. Central coast in Chile.
Rotating with the seasons.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I had just started running and passed two younger kids on their own, couldn’t have been older than grade six. The trail head is way out there, so thought it odd but kept running. A minute or two went by. The biggest cat I’ve ever seen came running down off the hill and onto the trail. The cougar stopped, turned, looked in their direction, and then disappeared back up the hill as elusive as it came.

Joshua Ferenc

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I want to use my love for the outdoors and running as a ticket to travel the world.

Do you have a claim to fame?

My claim to fame is my ability to find the fountain of youth and I am the wildest of wild neoteny. I am a Keene State All-American, have made multiple USA teams and was on the silver medal USA team at the 2011 Jungfrau World Mtn Marathon Championships.

Do you have any vices?

My main vice is my self confidance. Another is my semi-professional eating habits for Buffalo wings.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Nature! Wild Nature. I love being outside, running in the woods, trails and mountains with my girls (dogs) and being present in the beautiful universe. It is not only physically stimulating but mentally stimulating as well. It keeps me fresh.
"Nature never did betray the heart that loved her." William Wordsworth

What drives you to run?

I have a competitive nature. I hate losing and would rather die than lose. I love to compete and push the limits of my abilities. I also love being outside, I know I kow I have the 7r allele gene that is always pushing the limits of adventure.

What is your favorite movie?

The Princess Bride, classic.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Ferenc (pronounced Fare-ents), but I bet a lot of runners have a bunch of nicknames for me. Time will tell though, I am leaning towards; “Last Hero and Only Hope”.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

22 hours. On my way back from the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships in Switzerland, I went a long time without sleep traveling back to the states.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Live Free or DIE!!!

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

I'm a competitive food eater (in my head): I had TWO peanut butter, Nutella and blueberry jam sandwiches, plus a bean medley with salsa, VT cheddar and an avacado.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

This would blow peoples minds. I am incredibly hyperactive and my mind exhausts me. This monitor would be an epic viewing of pictures, scenes/scenarios, dreams, thoughts, words with a soundtrack blasting in the background.

What really scares you about trail running?

The only thing that scares me is me. I am one with nature, and the energy of the trails is powerful.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Wild Neoteny

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I'd split time between VT and Switzerland/Italy Alps. (VT so I'm close to my family)

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

(Believe it or not) A black bear chased one of my girls away from her cubs and I came around the corner and the bear was on me. I had time to grab a stick that was next to me, but the bear brushed me and knocked over over.

Bret Ferrier

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I really want to make one of the US running teams and represent the US at an international level. Besides representing the US I also want to participate in the world sky running series.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I have no claim to fame yet...

Do you have any vices?

Not really

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I love getting to spend time in the mountains and always want to get out into the mountains more. In addition to running on trails in the mountains around my house I like to go snowboarding, hiking, kayaking and backpacking whenever I get the chance. Paradoxically, I work as a Software Engineer and love learning new technologies and creating things online.

What drives you to run?

Running is part of who I am. I like to go for a run to seek out adventure and to feel connected with the earth around me. I like to go for solo runs in order to think. I also love meeting up with friends for a run as running is the main way I socialize with friends.

What is your favorite movie?

Hmmm thats a hard one. I would have to say that Iron Man is one of my favorites as I really like how he sees what his company is doing and decides to make a difference rather than just make money. I also really like his Man cave.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Not really

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

The longest I have gone without sleep was probably about 40 hours while pulling an all nighter when I ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay. A bunch of former Weber State athletes ran the very first ragnar when there was only 30 teams and they won free entry for life so its fun to get together with old friends and pull an all nighter throwing in some running from time to time. The last time I ran it we won the race which had 1600 other teams who all started before us.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Nevada, growing up in Northern Nevada the state still feels like a part of me with few big cities and miles and miles of desert in every direction.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Left over Pad Thai that my wife made for me.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Pictures definitely pictures.

What really scares you about trail running?

Getting lost. I once ran a 50 Miler in the desert in May and after 18 Miles went off course and found myself on the 100 Miler course from the day before that was marked with the same flags. It wasn't till I was about 3 miles past when I thought I should be at the next aid station that I realized I was off course. It took nearly 3 hours to find the course but I had company as others behind me made the same wrong turn.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The Mountains are calling

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I really love having my base camp in Ogden, Utah. If I could live anywhere I wouldn't change that but I would pick up and live in the French Alps for a while and many other mountain towns.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I haven't really had any bad encounters. I have ran across a few Moose that really make you stop in your tracks.

Adam Gifford

Age: 40, Years running: 15, Hometown: Sedona AZ, Favorite shoe:

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I am currently working on running every trail, descending every canyon and climbing every peak in the Grand Canyon. I get there over 20 times per year and for some reason the tick list keeps getting longer.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I own a run specialty shop that has been voted at the best running store in North America. The voters consisted of my mom and dad and 3 cats, but no one needs to know that part. We are a La Sportiva Mountain Running dealer, so I get to spend all day talking about the shoes that I love. I also spend time doing the accounting, but I don't talk about that part.

Do you have any vices?

I talk to my cats. A lot.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I get to start every day of my life on the trails in Sedona, AZ. Then I go to "work" and talk about the trails that I just ran. Then I go home and talk to my cats.

What drives you to run?

I love going places that few people have ever been. I love covering distances that take most people days to complete. I love having an excuse to wear really short shorts to the grocery store.

What is your favorite movie?

Cannonball Run, but only because Roger Moore plays a character named Seymour Goldfarb, Jr. who insists that he is actor Roger Moore. You just don't see meta comedy like that anymore.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

They call me...Dr. Sedona. (Disclaimer: I'm not a real doctor.)

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

60 hours. It was on a dare. I drove 45 hours straight from Phoenix, AZ to Philadelphia, PA after having already been awake for 15 hours.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Canada. Wait...yeah, Canada.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Maple syrup. It was actually one of the ingredients, but when you use maple syrup none of the other ingredients are really that memorable.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

You would...wait...I answered this question before when I was in middle school and they put me in a gym class where we had to play balloon volleyball so no one hurt themselves.

What really scares you about trail running?

Knowing that one point in my life I will no longer be able to continue. Also wasps.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The 40-Year Old 40-Year Old. It would probably go straight to VHS.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I'm pretty much there already. Sedona, AZ is about as perfect as you can get.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

My wife wearing flip-flops and drinking a beer. It was the worst because it meant that she was so far ahead of me in the race that she had time to finish, change shoes, get a beer and head back on the course to meet me. Also wasps.

Nicola Gildersleeve

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I want my running to take me to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Some of my future big goal races include, badwater, UTMB, hardrock, wasatch, trans alps...the list is always growing. I would also like to complete the John Muir trail, the Appalachian trail, and maybe a run across Canada (dream big)!

Do you have a claim to fame?

I run downhill like a madWOman. Nothing gives me more satisfaction that ripping a gnarly technical descent. I have the scares on my knees to prove it!

Do you have any vices?

Home baked goodies like cookies and muffins.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I love exploring new places and being with people who are totally stoked to be out adventering with me.

What drives you to run?

Curiosity, physical challenge, and a little bit of craziness.

What is your favorite movie?

I'm going to cheat and pick a T.V series: Dexter!

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

My last name is Gildersleeve so I often get...Gilder, Gilda, and Sleeves,

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I think it was during the Western States 100 mile race last year. I must have been awake for over 35 hours.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Sadly, being Canadian I am not too familiar with all 50 states. If I had to pick a province it would be British Columbia because it has everything to offer to the endurance junkie.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

I was away ski touring and after skiing a lap on the most amazing untouched powder I had 2 rye crackers with aged cheeder and a stick of lanjager!

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Definetly music, it's like a 24 hour dance party in my head.

What really scares you about trail running?

Encountering a bear or a cougar when I am running solo.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Mountain Life

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I could live anywhere as long as it had mountains for me to run/ski/bike, coean for me to swim, and rock for me to climb.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

My boyfriend encoutnered a bear while course marking high up in the mountains for the Fat Dog 100 trail race. Luckily, he knew exactly what to do and took the lead. While I, shaking in my crosslites, made noise anf follwed slowly behind him.

Bruce Grant

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I have two specific objectives:
- To run across the province of BC on one of two routes: preferably the rough trail used by explorer Alexander MacKenzie, or on the "easier" 1600km Trans-Canada Trail
- To run the 1200km Great Divide Trail along the Continental Divide from the US border to Kakwa Lake

Do you have a claim to fame?

I'm the only 5-time Hardrock finisher from Canada

Do you have any vices?

I really really like well-hopped microbrewed beer. (is that a vice?) I also like Duran Duran.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Embrace where you are. You can learn from your past, but can't change it - take stock of the present and work towards improving the future.

What drives you to run?

Overall, a desire to constantly challenge myself and achieve things I never thought personally possible. Daily training is a reward to the stresses and demands of the workday, and races are the incentive to make me get out there on those cold, rainy Pacific Northwest days. Running also helps me keep my girlish figure.

What is your favorite movie?

Lawrence of Arabia

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

lonerunman. This came about mainly because I do a lot of my training alone.
There are a few people who call me "Diesel" because of the way I climb hills: slow and steady, and occasionally with some sooty exhaust.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I did about 55 hours with no sleep this year at Hardrock. The race did not go as anticipated, and took wayyyyy longer than expected. I was almost asleep running the last few miles in a surreal, out-of-body experience. Crossing the icy, fast-flowing waters of Mineral Creek woke me up in a hurry and I was good for a few more hours.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Nunavut

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Fresh veggies with hummous and a can of salmon.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

music would be playing, and I would be behind the drum kit with the band, facing the audience.

What really scares you about trail running?

Not much, fear can prevent you from heading out the door or trying something new. If you prepare and have a positive attitude, there's nothing to fear.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

They Call Me Bruce

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Courtenay, BC. We made the lifestyle choice and moved there this year!

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

It was with hunger and humility, when a run in the Mount Baker wilderness I thought would take 5 hours turned into a 10-hour epic. I was out of food and on my knees eating blueberries from bushes to get calories and reach the end of the trail.

Laura Haefeli

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To maintain my position as one of the top masters runners in the country.
To explore even more of the world via trails, esp. here in the states - there is so much to see!
To run for the health of it! I hope I am still running at 70 and 80 years old! (:

Do you have a claim to fame?

Being the first American woman to have medaled at the World Mt. Running Championships, Individual Bronze Medal, Team USA Gold, Switzerland, '07.
Winning over 15 National Championships in the Sports of Summer Biathlon, Mt./Trail Running, & Cross Country Running. Between the years of 1990 and 2012. (This does not include any age group wins.)

Do you have any vices?

Chocolate!

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

LIFE! I try to live each day to its fullest, being a positive example, and a better person each day. (Hopefully, this rubs off on my own children, and the athletes whom I coach and come in contact with!) (:

What drives you to run?

My goals and my health and the beauty that surrounds us! The great feeling of being in shape, I feel so healthy and strong as a runner. Also, my kids sometimes! Ha, ha - it is therapeutic! (:

What is your favorite movie?

A Christmas Story.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Hae, short for my last name Haefeli. The Cross Country athletes started calling me this the first year I was coaching, which was 10 yrs. ago in 2003, and still call me that today. In fact, every year, they still put "STOP HAE!" on their XC t-shirts after the movie about famous runner Steve Prefontaine, where his rivals made shirts that said, "STOP PRE!"

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Probably an all-nighter in college, either to study, or for St. Patrick's Day. (:
It also could have been when my kids were babies, a mom doesn't get much sleep when they are infants! As a matter of fact, I don't think I've had a full nights sleep since my first was born, and that was over 17 years ago!

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Indiana.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

A chocolate Honey Stinger bar with peanut butter, and a cup of tea with Haefeli's Honey. (:
(It would normally be a PB&J, or a PB, banana & honey sandwich - with Haefeli's famous Honey, of course! (:

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Probably see pictures.

What really scares you about trail running?

Mountain lions and crazy people.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The Crazy and Wonderful Adventures of a Running Mom.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Here, in Colorado, or perhaps New Zealand.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

A bear! A baby bear, which, of course, led me to believe that we would be mauled and killed by mama bear! Thank God, we never saw her. But, baby bear, not quite to my shoulders when standing straight up (I am 5'3"), followed us for at least a mile on the trail, running back and forth at us as if wanting to play. The only thing was that looking at it's claws was not so relaxing! They were very long, and sharp, and we didn't know if at any moment he might just claw the heck out of us! This happened on a trail by the Great Sand Dunes.

Keely Henninger

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Qualify for the US Mountain running team, run a 100 mile race, run big name races in Europe, and never take running for granted.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Most unnecessary falls during an ultra?

Do you have any vices?

Sour patch kids

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

The pure bliss that comes after setting outlandish goals and working my tail off to reach them.

What drives you to run?

That giddy feeling I get during my runs whenever I find a new trail, get hit by a crazy rain storm, or make it to the top of a seemingly impossible climb. Its exuberating. It makes me feel alive.

What is your favorite movie?

Borat....NAWT

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

I have been called a lot of different things; squeely, mama-longlegs, keel-burt, dee-dee. They all have way too long of a story to tell.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Well, since I haven’t ran a “hundo” yet, it was under less-cool circumstances. After a 6am track work out and a school day, I had a 6pm-6am EMT shift, followed by 7am work at Starbucks and a full day of classes and running.. I almost fell asleep on my bike ride home. This was during college, I am so happy I will never be that busy again (fingers crossed). I am a rather loopy sleep-deprived person.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Tennesee, since I’m the only ten-I-see.. bad joke I know.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

sweet potato tots.. and a lot of kale and veggies.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

My mind during running, hmm. It would be a lot of jammy music interrupted with random thoughts like “Is that a bear?”
“No, that’s just a tree.” Etc.

What really scares you about trail running?

Getting so absorbed in my surroundings that I fall.. badly..oh wait..

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

In a small secluded cabin surrounded by trail so you could live and run simply. Since this is available in countless places around the world, I suppose I could be in a lot of different places with the right people and be happy.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I haven’t ran into anything super scary yet, unless you count the imagined "black bear" I saw during my first 50. I am sure that will change since I am in CO now, where the mountain lions roam.

Buddy Jones

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Mainly my goal is to continue to push myself to run new distances and adventures. Some specific goals are: to run the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, the Appalachian Trail, and Badwater.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I guess I could say that back in the early 1990's I was Junior National Duathalon Champion.

Do you have any vices?

Besides the one on my work bench in the garage? YES! CHEESECAKE!

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Running gives me an outlet and a chance to clear my head. Ultra running has really taught me a lot about patience and perseverance which has helped me in my day to day life as well.

What drives you to run?

The feeling I get from being outdoors and away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. I love the outdoors and running gets me to many place others never get to see. Also, seeing how excited my boys get when I place well in a race.

What is your favorite movie?

Most people laugh at me, but most of the Rocky movies. I also love American Flyers.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Budman (nothing to do with the beer), Budwan, Budster P Jones, Bud. Most of those came from high school friends and have stuck ever since. Actually, Buddy is a nickname that was given to me at birth. My dad called me his little buddy, so the family adopted that and it never went away.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Nothing too impressive.... about 26 hours. I ended up having to work a night shift to cover for someone after working the day.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Oregon. I love the green landscape, the beach, and the woods. That's Oregon to me.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Leftovers. Pasta, chicken, and parmesan broiled vegetables. I always make enough from dinner the night before so that I will have lunch the next day.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Words and Music. I tend to "talk" to myself a lot out on a run working through the hills, flats, downhills. When I am not "talking" to myself, music is playing.

What really scares you about trail running?

Being way out in the middle of nowhere and running out of food and water.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Complicated Then, Simple Now

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Ouray, Colorado

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I was heading up a mountain trail and sliding down the hill next to me was a rattlesnake. Not watching the trail, I nearly stepped on his relative crossing the trail in front of me. He coiled as I backed away. It eventually went on off the trail. I have seen rattlesnakes on the trail before, but this was the closest call I have had.

Sarah Kjorstad

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I'm a bit shy about my goals, but believe me I've got em'. In general, to compete as a top level masters athlete and keep active until I am old and grey!

Do you have a claim to fame?

Mother of my 5 year old, Landon.

Do you have any vices?

Oh so many...wine, coffee, sweets, crappy reality television shows

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

A need to challenge myself, try new things, be outside and live live to the fullest. I want to go out kicking.

What drives you to run?

Inner demons that I haven't been able to work out in any other way.

What is your favorite movie?

I have a very short term memory for movies, so "Wild".

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Nope, but I have always wanted one. Can you help?

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Not long at all. Why would you?! Guess I might not make a good candidate for the Hardrock 100.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Wyoming- It conjures up images of some pretty spectacular, rugged and wild places.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

An arugula, roasted broccoli and carrot salad with dried cherries, pumpkins seeds and feta with a spiced yogurt dressing. Coffee and a peppermint chocolate macaroon.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Oh, all of the above for sure. This could be part of why I run...to shut it off!

What really scares you about trail running?

Nothing! Competition in general scares me, but trail running itself is calming. Oh, I guess there are the bears and mountain lions.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Sarah Gump. My husband named it....thanks honey.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Right where I am- Jackson, WY

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Nothing crazy. I came across a black bear with a group of friends once in GTNP, but he was cool and moved on easliy.
Got lost once without food on Tiger Mountain in WA, and started seeing the world in technicolor. That was fun.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Layna Mosley

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Complete the Grand Slam (Western States, Vermont, Leadville and Wasatch 100s); run Rim to Rim to Rim (Grand Canyon); Hard Rock 100; run one of the distances at the Uwharrie Mountain Run with each of my daughters (now 2 and 4).

Do you have a claim to fame?

NYC Marathon at 26 weeks pregnant. Last baby born in Marion County, Florida in 1971.

Do you have any vices?

Ice cream, and almost any sort of stout or porter. Staying out too long on the local trails, or lingering too long post-run at the local coffee shop, rather than getting to work.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

A bit of obsessive-compulsiveness, probably. An unrealistic desire to balance all sorts of things, including running and racing; working as a political science professor at a research university; parenting two young, lovely and very energetic little girls; and trying to be a good spouse and partner to my (very patient) husband.

What drives you to run?

The sense that, until I run, my day isn't complete, and I'm not at ease. The desire to see how far I can push myself, sometimes in terms of distance, other times in terms of just getting out of bed in the cold and dark to get in my long run. And the promise of finding beauty when I run, both on my local trails and in the places I travel to for work and races.

What is your favorite movie?

I'm not sure I have an all time favorite. More recently, maybe Slumdog Millionaire. Before that, the Princess Bride, Fargo. And Bull Durham, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the Breakfast Club.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Willow - my trail name, bestowed upon me by the Trailheads, my local trailrunning club (and surrogate family, truth be told) in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC. I'm just as likely to answer to Willow as I am to my given name.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

40 hours, surrounding my first 100 miler, Cascade Crest, in 2009. The race has a leisurely 10am start, so I was up early, did the race, finished early afternoon, and then stayed up for dinner etc.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Wyoming. No idea why, but it would sound cool.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

I missed lunch yesterday...it was Christmas Day, and I was out for a run at lunchtime!

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

A combination of all three.

What really scares you about trail running?

Falling off of a really steep trail in the middle of the night, probably somewhere along the Hard Rock course.

Alison Naney

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

While I was in college, in 2000, I first saw that the Hardrock 100 existed, and promptly put it on my to do list before I die. My biggest lifetime running goal is to keep healthy enough to continue running long until I'm old and wrinkley.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I was voted as having the best wheels in high school: a 1964 Austin Healey Sprite convertable my dad restored.

Do you have any vices?

Since eating chocolate everyday isn't a vice, I don't think I have any.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Balance is extremely important to me. Running is my way to connect to the landscape and think. I solve all kinds of problems during my runs; I'm a Massage Therapist in the real world, so running gives me time to work through ideas about clients' injuries. I also coach running and technique, and love seeing a client change their perceptions of running and their own capabilities.

What drives you to run?

I started running as a way to spend more time in the mountains. I realized I could cover a lot more ground by ditching my backpack and boots for running shoes. Now I run to challenge my physical and mental limits, while exploring the mountains.

What is your favorite movie?

Love Actually.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Big Al, Al, Albert, Albert Alligator, all coined by my dad. I was chubby as a kid, hence Big Al, which then changed to Al.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

About 28 hours, for Cascade Crest 100. It starts at 10am, so I had longer after waking up to agonize about the run ahead of me.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Montana fits me well.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Leftover beans and rice with chorizo, an apple, a peanut butter cookie, and a soy chai.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

mellow music

What really scares you about trail running?

Being attacked by a mountain lion or a crazy person while running without my trusty husky.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Rock Steady

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Mazama, Washington.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I was chased back the trail by a mamma moose several times in one run, when I lived in Montana. Men who don't want to be "chicked" in a race can also be quite aggressive.

Josh Nelson

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I have plenty of race/FKT goals, but that is a bit more ego driven. At its basic level, my lifetime goal is to keep the practice sustainable. For me, nature is the place where I’m opened to my greatest strengths and weaknesses…physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There is really no way around that in the mountains. I love sharing that connection with my daughters, wife, and my community.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I suppose just anything that involves long, steep climbs. I hold several FKT’s on Oregon Peaks and am hoping to add to that list in the near few years.

Do you have any vices?

That is classified.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Well, it’s also my day job. In 2011, my wife and I opened up a yoga studio. In 2012 we decided to combine both of our passions and we expanded to include a specialty running store. Asana Yoga and Sole. We have a blast and feel really fortunate to be able to work together, and to share our "soles" with the community.

What drives you to run?

My Subaru Outback…Ha! It really doesn’t take much to get me into the mountains. Other than strength training 3x per week, I don’t follow a real strict training plan. Klamath Falls has a growing network of really amazing trails and access remote wilderness within a 30 minute drive. I’m just psyched to explore new areas and get out every day doing what I love. The added bonus is that experience shapes me into a better father, husband, and more balanced individual.

What is your favorite movie?

Man, there are so many good flicks! Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is up there, as well as The Endless Summer Series.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

No nicknames…I polled my friends, but they were too weird to claim one.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Probably about 26 hours. A fun attempt at a traverse of the Alaska range via foot, mtn. bike, and packraft. Things are really big in Alaska, and after 23 hours, we still hadn't arrived at the river put in. We bagged it, hitched a ride from a tour bus, and found a pint.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

I-Da-Ho

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

An ancient grains bowl with goldenberries, pistachios, and mint. A cup of roasted butternut squash soup, and 16oz of coconut-lime Kombucha. Yum...oh and a rosemary snickerdoodle.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

A bit of all three. Depends on my mood really, I’ll admit though, I think a lot!

What really scares you about trail running?

It takes a lot to get me out of my bubble. I actually enjoy uncomfortable situations ie: weather, terrain, physical challenge. I am a firm believer that challenge presents our biggest opportunity for growth. But weird, trashy, random camps, deep in the middle of nowhere scare the heck out of me.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Dances with Mountains …lol, I don’t know!

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Chamonix. Isn’t that everyone’s answer?

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Haha. I am the RD for a local 1/2 marathon trail race, Moore Mountain Run(check it out!). While weed whacking the course, I stirred up a hornet's nest. The whole scene was pure comedy and I ended up getting stung 3 times, trying to run, and badly rolling my ankle. There are some other good stories, but this one is still pretty fresh.

Susan Nuzum

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I'd like to be able to run injury-free for a long time to come. There are also so many great races and places to run out there; I'd like to be able to travel to run and have great adventures.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I was hit in the head by a squirrel while out running one day. He tried to jump from a fence to a tree and I was in the middle. I screamed like a little girl then looked around to make sure that no one was watching.

Do you have any vices?

Red wine.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

The thing that I love most about running is being outside, especially on the trails. A long run goes by so easily and quickly when I'm out on a sunny day running with my dog Elsa. And you meet the nicest people running and at races.

What drives you to run?

My '99 Toyota 4Runner.

What is your favorite movie?

Ferris Buehler's Day Off

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Juan - don't remember how it started, but I got it in junior high school.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

During a test out the course run for the Wild West Relay - we almost got run over in the middle of the night by ATV-ers and came close to hiting a cow in the middle of the road in Wyoming - it was only 12 of us, so it was a little unnerving. Went two days without sleep and had to pull over on the drive home and take a nap.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Carolina - that's a nice name, but I've never been there, so I'm not sure about the place.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Leftovers.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Music, of course.

What really scares you about trail running?

Doing a face plant into a rock, which I almost did a few years ago at the Barr Trail race.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Must Love Dogs.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I'd spend summers in Boulder and winters on Kauai, with occasional ski trips of course.

Do you have any vices?

Cookies & Cream, yum.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner, I seek to be inspired by my surroundings, whether it be singletrack in a lush redwood forest, sweeping views of rugged mountains, or pristine coastline. In the real world, I enjoy talking to people about my next adventure, travel, and photography.

What drives you to run?

Experiencing nature in the purest form. Accessing remote and wild destinations in a day that would otherwise require multiple days to backpack is a very rewarding feeling. It's tough to beat traveling through the wilderness light and fast.

What is your favorite movie?

Gladiator

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Lungs and legs. From ascending and scrambling steep slopes in the mountains fast.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Washington, my home state. The best alpine climbing in the lower 48 is found in the North Cascades mountains of Washington, which are characterized by a striking combination of glaciers, temperate rainforest, and chiseled peaks. Some of my most memorable adventure runs have traveled through this gorgeous mountain range, known as the “American Alps”.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Turkey sandwich with tomato and spinach, Greek yogurt, an apple, and pita chips.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Music, and my taste is eclectic.

What really scares you about trail running?

I'm addicted to it.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

In search of rugged.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Woodside, CA - great weather and great trails make trail running possible with a busy work schedule. The location also affords easy access to a plethora of parks and trails including the Santa Cruz Mountains, Marin, Pt. Reyes, Big Sur, Tahoe, Yosemite and the High Sierra.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

A half blown over tree (with sharp knobs) hovering over the trail met my head in the pre-dawn hours resulting in six stitches on the scalp. When I went back to that spot a week later the tree had fallen over; I won!

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Do you have a claim to fame?

No. But people seem to find my background as an itty bitty smokejumper particularly memorable.

Do you have any vices?

Aeropress, Vitamix, trail running…

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner: New summits, new trails, & pushing my limits on both. Real world: helping others achieve their goals.

What drives you to run?

An insatiable need to be free to play outside in the woods and mountains on a daily basis.

What is your favorite movie?

4-way tie between: That’s It That’s All; Touching the Void; Unbreakable: The Western States 100; The Long Haul—John Muir Trail

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

KPat. Probably because it’s short and sharp around the edges, like me :). And because it’s efficient, and the smokejumpers who gave it to me have a can-do attitude.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

In the 40-hour range. Worked all-night shifts as a wildland firefighter during initial attacks that tended to roll into seemingly never-ending attacks.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Dakota or Carolina (either way, 2-for-1 baby!)

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

See Vices above.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

You may experience something like a comedy reel with a sick beat. Kind of like a Ludacris song. There would be pictures too, good ones.

What really scares you about trail running?

I may be absolutely head-over-heels in love with trail running, and I fear someday it will turn it’s back on me and be like: “you seriously need to get a life.”

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

#kpatattack

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Wherever my husband is, and currently that is Missoula, Montana. Although I try daily to convince him to move back to Mammoth Lakes, California, where we met and fell in love…with my favorite mountains—the eastern Sierras.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Pam Smith

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

The most important goal is to stay healthy and run for as long as possible. I'd like to inspire others to be active, especially my kids. I hope to have many grand running adventures. Specifically, I'd love to do the Wonderland trail and circumnavigations of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. It is my goal to use running to continually push me to my limits.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I was the youngest person to graduate from Temple Medical School.

Do you have any vices?

Sweets - I have a serious sweet tooth!

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner, I love runs with friends, the exhausted calm after a long run, and single track trail through dark, dense forest.
In the real world, I enjoy spending time with my family. I love it when my kids make me laugh. besides running, I like to cook and garden (and especially cook things from my garden!).

What drives you to run?

The desire to be the best that I can, both on a day to day basis and in competition.

What is your favorite movie?

Well, to get psyched up for a race - Cool Runnings. For general viewing, I am not sure I could just pick one.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

A friend nicknamed me Ardilla Voladora (flying squirrel) after the Capitol Peak 50 miler a few years back. She said I seemed to be running normally but then just started to fly on the downhill.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I stayed up all night several times in residency and also for hundred milers. I like my sleep, though, and I usually crash pretty hard the next day after being up all night. I don't think I could make it more than one night without sleep.

Derrick Spafford

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To continue to run longer distances in races and training, including self supported winter expeditions in more remote regions of the world.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I have a running streak of over 25 years. I have not missed a day of running since December 25, 1989

Do you have any vices?

Love a good dark roast coffee and dark beers (stouts)

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Connecting with some place in the natural world each day.

What drives you to run?

The pure joy of running trails and being away from technology.

What is your favorite movie?

Whatever is playing at the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Spaff - I grew up playing hockey in Canada and everyone had a nickname. Just a short form for my last name.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Probably after my first 100 miler. I was pretty pumped up on adrenaline and caffeine that I couldn’t sleep.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

I’m Canadian, so I would say after my favourite territory… Yukon

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Hummus, veggies, seeds on a wrap with a ridiculous amount of Sriracha sauce!

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Definitely music, and a loud assortment of Canadian and Irish Punk Rock.

What really scares you about trail running?

Injury

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Confessions of a Running Streaker

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Whitehorse, Yukon in Canada…but very fortunate to live where I live with a great trail system out my door.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Having to Bivy in the middle of a 100 mile race in Northern Canada in the winter due to being sick. I eventually finished, but it was a major struggle.
Have also had lots of wildlife encounters but nothing that I felt two much at risk. Probably the one I was most concerned at the time was when my siberian husky squared off with a bear and neither would back down for the longest time. It ended well though.

Mark Tanaka

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Finish 100 100-mile races. Should happen before I turn 60 even if I have to tone things back a bit. Keep running into my 70s if I can help it. Not get the runs too many times.

Do you have a claim to fame?

It took me almost a decade to get into the Western States lottery. I finally get my change in 2015. I haven't DNF'd since I was pulled from my first 50 miler atop the Bay Area's Mount Diablo (and ended up in the hospital overnight), September 2003. 140-160 ultras depending on how your count, and 40+ 100 milers. I've DFL'd in two 100 milers.

Do you have any vices?

hee hee hee.....

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

(prefer this left out)
oxygen, glucose and other nutrients.

What drives you to run?

My intense and stressful job taking care of too many patients in the emergency department, among other things.

What is your favorite movie?

(prefer this left out)

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

(prefer this left out)

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

(prefer this left out)

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

I guess, "U-Tah-naka." ....but only if I really had to.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

(prefer this left out)

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

(prefer this left out)
all 3

What really scares you about trail running?

Having something happen to me so that I would no longer be able to continue trail running. For instance, being struck by lightning and rendered brain dead or close to it.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

(prefer this left out)

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I'm good, though I wouldn't mind a large mansion with heated floors and a large movie room, located in a top-tier school district with great access to trails and public transportation.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

So far, none of the meth-addicted homicidal psychiatric patients I have seen in the emergency department who got angry at me have taken up trail running-- yet.....

Ryan Woods

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To race in all 50 states. I'm at 33 and just booked a flight for number 34. I'm not sure what to do about the midwest though.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Yea, in college my roomate put an apple on his head and let me throw a dart at it. I hit it. The apple that is.

Do you have any vices?

Yea again. A good imperial ipa, cabs and zins, and fresh roasted coffee. Not in that particular order.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner it's competition. In my early years I didn't enjoy running much and never thought I'd have been doing it at this point in my life. But I've always loved to compete and that's what keeps me going with a smile. Getting into mountain running has turned running into an adventure and racing into vacations. It's been a great fit.
In the real world it's coffee.

What drives you to run?

Honda Accord.

What is your favorite movie?

All my favorite movies are from the 1990's when I was young and impressionable. Matrix, Fight Club, and Braveheart apeal to the fiery side of me while Zoolander and Spinal Tap appeal to my laughity side. Billy Bob's speech at the end of Friday Night Lights nearly brings a tears to my eyes as did Wedding Crashers and Old School

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

I went through a phase of lying to girls at bars. So some people call me Troy. Troy races cars.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Ugh, anything over 14 hours is too long.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Texas. Texas Woods sounds cool.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Chilli. It was leftover.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

My head can do it all... pictures, videos, words, and music. My brain is fully functioning... most of the time.

Bill Wright

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I've done most of my running goals, at least speed-wise (sub 40 minutes at the Bolder Boulder, sub 5 hours at the Pikes Peak Marathon) and distance-wise (Leadville 100 in my first and only try). I guess I'd still like to break 12 hours at the San Juan Summer Solstice 50-miler, finish in the age-group awards at the Pikes Peak Marathon, and use my running fitness for speedy climbing ascents, like the Grand Traverse in the Tetons.

Do you have a claim to fame?

My claim to fame is being the first person to ski the 1911 Gully on the Third Flatiron above Boulder, Colorado, co-author of the book Speed Climbing, race director of the Rattlesnake Ramble and the Tour de Flatirons scrambling series, and I'm the keeper of the local speed records, on the trails, road, and rock.

Do you have any vices?

I have many vices but my worst is probably that I'm easily distracted and am interested in so many things that I bounce around and lose my focus. I also watch too much TV and eat too many carbs

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I like to challenge myself and I like to measure my performance. I am a fastidious record keeper. I like adventure and competition and go back and forth between doing races and doing big mountain or desert adventures that involve technical climbing.

What drives you to run?

Eating! Seriously, a significant factor in exercising is to enjoy eating more. But the major factor is just that it feels great to work hard, to sweat, to breathe hard, and to go to beautiful places and be alone in the wilderness.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movies are The Man From Snowy River, Braveheart, Dances With Wolves, and A Few Good Men

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

My main nickname is Plan Man because I like to plan out my year and sometimes plan years in advance. I think if you don't plan to get great things done, then you reduce your chances of getting great things done. Each year I write down a set of goals for the year and plan my climbing/running/adventure trips for the entire year.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I've gone about 43 hours without sleep during the Leadville 100 and a couple of 34-hour adventure races. I've also pulled "all nighters" studying at school and working at my job.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

It would have to Colorado for its great mountains, trail running, kayaking, mountain biking and it's accessibility to communities where technology jobs exist.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

A banana, yogurt, granola bar, a couple of cookies, and a hard-boiled egg, but that's healthier than I usually eat. Today I had pizza.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

You'd see and hear all three. I frequently run with an iPod where I either listen to an audiobook or inspirational music. When listening to a good on a calorie-burning run, I feel I'm doubling my productivity. I'm getting exercise and I'm learning something from my book.

What really scares you about trail running?

What scares me most about running is injuries, especially twisting or breaking an ankle by running too fast in highly technical terrain. For this reason I try to limit the number of times I really push the pace on a rocky descent. I frequently go up hard, but take it easy on the way down.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The movie would be called "Just Do It...All!" I have a wide variety of interests and I'm working my through all of them.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

'd live the summer in Chamonix, France or Cortina, Italy and then fall in Sedona, Arizona and winter in Maui, to keep the wife happy.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I haven't had a significantly bad encounter on the trail if you don't count impacting the trail when I fall. I do occasionally pass people that seem to get annoyed that I'm running where they are hiking, but these people are rare. Where when I was younger I might react angrily, now I try to kill them with kindness and humility. I've also nearly run into the back end of a bull moose before, but it turned out to be a great encounter. Also, I've been charged by a couple of wild bison, but once I took flight they gave up the chase.